In yet another escalation of tensions between China and the Philippines, Manila on Tuesday opposed Beijing’s unilateral fishing ban in the South China Sea, which it claims is aimed at environmental conservation. The Philippines has insisted that the ban doesn’t apply to areas within its jurisdiction.
According to China’s ban, which is in place from May 16 to August 1, fishing is restricted in waters down to the 12th parallel of the South China Sea, which includes the Paracel Islands near Vietnam and Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal near the Philippines. Both of these are disputed territories between China, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said that it “opposes China’s imposition of the same over the areas within the territory and jurisdiction of the Philippines” in a statement on Tuesday, adding, “Our fisherfolk are encouraged to go out and fish in our waters.” The task force also said that the Philippines will continue to carry out law enforcement patrols and maritime exercises on a rotational basis in the waters that lie within its exclusive economic zone and condemned China for its “dangerous manoeuvres” against the Philippines last month in Scarborough Shoal, following which the Philippines also increased its maritime presence in the region.
However, China remains undeterred and foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin urged Manila to “respect China’s sovereignty and jurisdiction, and stop taking actions that may complicate the situation.”
The latest exchange between Beijing and Manila follows recent comments made by the Philippines’ foreign affairs minister, Teodoro Locsin, wherein he criticised China for its aggressions in the volatile South China Sea in a harshly worded tweet. In response, China’s foreign ministry requested the Philippines to observe “basic etiquette” and respect its sovereignty and jurisdiction by saying: “Facts have repeatedly proved that microphone diplomacy cannot change the facts, but can only undermine mutual trust… It is hoped that relevant people in the Philippines will comply with basic etiquette and their position when making remarks.”
As for the ban, the Philippines is not alone in its protest against it. Vietnam, which claims ownership of the Paracel Islands that lie within the affected zone, has also opposed China’s actions. “Vietnam opposes and resolutely rejects China’s unilateral decision,” Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Spokesman Doan Khac Viet said at a press conference in Hanoi. However, despite vehement opposition, it is unlikely that Beijing will rescind the ban.
Philippines Rejects China’s Fishing Ban in South China Sea
In a further escalation of tensions, the Philippines rejected China’s unilateral fishing ban in the South China Sea.
May 5, 2021
SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES